PHOTO GALLERY: Inside the Lismore Blood Bank

BEING a lifesaver doesn't mean you need any special knowledge, qualifications or a uniform.

In fact it's so easy you can do it lying down.

This is the message the Australian Red Cross Blood Service in Bounty St, Lismore, gave the Northern Star when we visited them to see what goes on when you donate and how your gift is used to save lives, no matter your blood type.

At 8.10am, Caniaba resident Trevor Pethers, 64, has completed his interview and blood check and is ready to lie down, relax and make his 43rd donation.

By 8.30am Trevor is settling into his recliner as RN Amy Shiels hooks him up.

Trevor said he likes the idea he can make a positive difference through donating blood or plasma.

"I feel like I'm helping someone," he said.

"I come in whenever I can and go to work afterwards."

In the next couch is Southern Cross University environmental science student Alice Wood, who is chatting with nurse Jamie Castle about where her blood will be used.

The 24-year old is making her second O+ blood donation.

Alice said she's inspired by the large photographs on the wall which show real people and the difference a donation made to them.

"I find them inspiring and it's nice to know you are helping," she said.

Meanwhile, further down the ward, veteran donor Bob Preston who is O+, and at 73 years, is making his 339th contribution.

As the bag containing his blood fills, it is gently rocked on a machine to help preserve cells and plasma.

The cheerful Coorabell resident has been giving the red stuff since he was a teenager.

"I started off in Sydney donating when I was 18 years old," he said.

"Now I give plasma every two weeks."

Also in the ward being lifesavers are NSW Fire & Rescue officer Ian Hunter, landscaper David Kemp and George Paschkow.

In between checking donors, the centre is a quiet hive of activity with a calm sense of doing an important job.

At 9.42am Trevor is in the adjacent cafe area where volunteer Sue Meik offers him some refreshments including milkshakes, savoury snacks, cake, biscuits, fruit, water and candy to refuel him before he goes to work.

Already his blood is in the process of being packaged up and sent to one of four Australian Red Cross processing plants in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.